Well known for great surfing waves, stunning sunsets and a legendary nightlife, Tamarindo is a popular beach destination in the Guanacaste province, perfect for the ultimate fun in the sun vacation. Tamarindo beach is only a 1.5 hour drive from Guanacaste Airport, making it the ideal destination for families, couples and solo travelers looking for gorgeous beaches and fantastic water sports in Costa Rica.
In this guide you’ll learn more about Tamarindo town, Tamarindo beach, how to get to Tamarindo, where to stay, where to eat, what to do and more.
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What to Know Before You Go About Tamarindo
- In the Guanacaste province
- About a 1 hour drive from Guanacaste Airport, 4.5 hours from San Jose International Airport. Find out how to drive from San Jose to Tamarindo.
- Popular surfing beach town for all travelers, particularly families, friend groups and backpackers
- Beach doesn’t have any facilities like changing rooms, showers, etc.
- One of the most expensive destinations in Costa Rica
- Has its own local airport, 5 minutes outside town
- 4×4 not required to get to Tamarindo
- Best things to do: surfing, sunsets, walks on the beach, happy hour, partying, shopping, fishing, sunset sailing, stand up paddle boarding
- Lots of hotels, hostels, boutiqe B&B’s, beachfront hotels and vacation rentals
- Day time temperatures range from 80-95 F throughout the year (26 – 35 C). Rainiest month is October. Hottest months are March and April. Driest month is February.
Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach is a beautiful tan sand beach that stretches about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from end to end. The northern part of Tamarindo beach connects to the estuary inside the Las Baulas National Park. The southern part of the beach reaches the peninsula separating the two communities of Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta.
The most popular part of the beach is near the north in front of Witch’s Rock Surf Camp where the main surf spot of Tamarindo beach break is.
Tamarindo beach is completely sandy, perfect for long beach walks. The shore is long and wide, so it’s perfect for swimming, beach volleyball, running and other activities.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on Tamarindo beach, there are many locals who will offer you one.
With year round sunshine, a relaxed atmosphere and fun surfing waves, Tamarindo offers a beautiful beach town experience in Costa Rica for a relaxing tropical escape.
Unfortunately there are no public facilities at the beach such as showers, changing rooms and bathrooms. They do have an accessible path to the beach from Witch’s Rock.
Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica are watching the beautiful sunsets set over the Pacific Ocean, enjoying happy hour and engaging in water sports like surfing, stand up paddle boarding and swimming. You can also play beach volleyball with the locals. However, there are plenty of day trips and other things to do to enjoy endless days of fun and adventure.
Playa Tamarindo Surfing
Tamarindo’s strong surf culture is well known throughout the country. We highly recommend taking a lesson in Tamarindo since this is a great beginner surfing beach. There are many surf shops in town that offers 2 hour classes for about $55 USD per person. They also offer boogie board, stand up paddle boards and surf board rentals.
There are many surf shops and surf schools in Tamarindo to take a lesson with. Popular shops are Witch’s Rock, Iguana, Banana Surf Club, Wave Rider, and Mato’s Surf shop. Pablo Surf School is another great one.
Furthermore, Playa Tamarindo is only about a 30 minute drive to other fantastic surfing beaches such as Playa Avellanas and Playa Grande, making it an excellent place for beginner surfers, intermediate and experienced surfers. During certain conditions, Playa Langosta is also a great surfing beach.
Generally, the best time to surf at Tamarindo beach is about two hours before the high tide. During rainy season, low tide can have bigger waves but exposes a lot of rocks, so low tide is recommended only for expert surfers.
Scuba Diving
Tamarindo is close to some excellent scuba diving spots such as the Catalinas Islands. You don’t have to be certified either as companies offer a discovery scuba dive for those not certified.
Sunset Sailing
Go on a sunset sailing cruise to get beautiful views of the coastline, snorkel to see tropical fish and sea creatures and see the sunset from the water. Marlin del Rey is the most popular one with an open bar, snacks and lunch. Other excellent companies are Blue Dolphin, Dream Chaser and Antares.
Fishing
Go in or off shore fishing to catch snappers, jacks, tuna, mahi mahi wahoo and more. Tamarindo is a great place to go fishing in Costa Rica!
Black Stallion Zipline, Horseback Riding and BBQ
This small adventure park has a fun beginner zipline, horseback riding and offers barbecue dinners. Their BBQ is one of the best we’ve ever had in Costa Rica and their property is beautiful. It’s only a 15 minute drive by car from Tamarindo.
Beach hopping to Playa Grande and Playa Langosta and others
Visiting beaches is a must for beach lovers since you’re close to some of popular beaches in the Guanacaste province like Avellanas, Grande, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, Mina and Brasilito. This is one of the reasons why Tamarindo is a popular beach town in Costa Rica since you can spend weeks visiting a different beach every day!
Marino Las Baulas National Park Estuary boat ride
Right at the northern end of Playa Tamarindo is an estuary, separating Tamarindo and Playa Grande. This is part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park where visitors can take a boat ride through the estuary to see two species of monkeys, wading bird species and crocodiles.
The entrance to the national park is on the most northern end of the beach. Costs around $40 USD per person for the boat tour.
Leatherback turtles tour on Playa Grande
Playa Grande is an important beach in Costa Rica due to the leatherback sea turtles that nest from October to May. During leatherback turtles nesting season, you can take a nighttime tour with a guide to see these amazing act of nature.
Party
From dancing the night away at Crazy Monkey Bar or Pacifico to listening to live music on the beach, there is a fun party scene in Tamarindo. On Sundays, you can also join the Beach & Pool crawl for more beach, drinks and pool parties.
Night Market and Farmer’s Market
On Thursday nights, there is a night market in Plaza Palmas from 6-10 PM. On Saturdays, there is a local farmer’s market from 7 AM to 1 PM next to the Green Papaya restaurant. We recommend getting a VIDA bowl (acai and fruit smoothies).
Sunset Happy Hour
With amazing sunsets and lots of beachfront bars, you can’t miss sunset happy hour! Get 2×1 beers and discounts off drinks while watching the sun go down.
Day Trips from Tamarindo
- National parks like Rincon de la Vieja National Park or Barra Honda National Park for good hiking.
- For relaxation, adventure and culture, visit Vandara Explore Costa Rica’s Nature Park and get our Vandara discount here to go ziplining, watersliding, horseback riding and enjoy hot springs.
- Guachipelin combo tour is an awesome day trip to zipline, white water tube and enjoy hot springs.
- Diamante Eco Adventure Park for ziplining, culture, butterfly garden, horseback riding, and adventure.
- Learn about Guanacaste culture and see wildlife on a boat cruise at Hacienda El Viejo.
- Go boating in Playas del Coco (1 hour drive) for excellent snorkeling and beach hopping and to see the Gulf of Papagayo coast. Or scuba diving at Catalinas Islands (30 minutes away).
- To see one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, hike Rio Celeste, the sky blue river (2.5 hour drive one way).
- See the rainforest and spot sloths on this one day Bijagua rainforest tour.
- Love turtles? If you’re visiting May – December, head down to Ostional to see turtle nestings!
Check out our dedicated Tamarindo 5 days itinerary if you plan to stay here as a home base for 1 week. Many of the mentioned day trips above are offered on our Costa Rica deals and discount page.
Tamarindo Costa Rica Location
Tamarindo, Costa Rica is 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Guanacaste Airport. This is about a 1 hour drive. Tamarindo is 257 kilometers (160 miles) and about a 4.5 hour drive from San Jose.
How to Get to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The best airport to fly into for Tamarindo is the Guanacaste Airport (international). Tamarindo also has
- By bus: The bus from Liberia to Tamarindo leaves from the Mercado Municipal with the Transportes La Pampa company. It departs daily at 7, 8, 10, 11, 1PM, 2PM, 4PM, 5PM and 6 PM, taking 1.5 hours and costs ~1,760 colones (~$3 USD). There is a San Jose bus to Tamarindo that leaves at 8 AM and 4 PM with the company Tralapa. This takes around 5.5 to 6 hours and costs around 5000 colones (~$10 USD)
- By flying: Tamarindo has its own domestic airport. From San Jose it costs around $70 USD one way and takes about 30 minutes with Sansa Air.
- By shuttle: Tamarindo Transfers & Tours has shared shuttles for $20 USD per person one way, minimum 2 people from Liberia International Airport. For a private transfer, it costs around $90 USD for 1-4 people. A private transfer from San Jose to Tamarindo is around $220 USD for 1-4 passengers.
- Taxi: there are official airport taxis at LIR Airport. It costs around $90 USD one way.
You can read more about getting to Tamarindo in this post.
Driving Directions to Tamarindo from Liberia Airport
You can use Google Maps or Waze as your GPS from Liberia Airport. It’s an easy drive on a main road and takes about 1 hour. You do not need a 4×4 for Tamarindo.
Some people ask if they can drive to Tamarindo from Liberia Airport at night. It is possible to drive to Tamarindo from Liberia at night since the whole route is on a well paved road. Just make sure to use a GPS.
How to Get Around Tamarindo
Tamarindo is not very big and from downtown Tamarindo, you’re in walking distance of restaurants, the beach and shops. It is not absolutely necessary to rent a car in Tamarindo.
However, if you want to explore outside of Tamarindo, then the best way is to rent a car. A 4wd or high clearance car is highly recommended if you want to explore down the Pacific Coast or to the inland rainforests. From Tamarindo, you can visit other great destinations in Costa Rica such as Nosara, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Playas del Coco and Bijagua.
Without a car, you will have to book guided tours with roundtrip transportation as public transportation in this area is sorely lacking. Want to book tours? Get our discount for Tamarindo day tours here!
Uber/Golf Cart Rentals/Scooters
There are a few Ubers in Tamarindo but don’t depend solely on Uber as they may take awhile if there are any available. Electric bikes are for rent by Hotel Portofino and there are golf carts to rent in the Auto Mercado plaza and from Earth Gear Golf Carts right in town. There is also a place that rents scooter and motorcycles by the skate park.
Collectivos (Pirate Taxis)
As there aren’t really “official taxis” in Costa Rica, you may have to take a “collectivo” which is just a local guy who drives people around in his personal car (like a pirate taxi driver). There are a bunch of them all throughout town so they’re easy to find. This may be a good option to get around Tamarindo to nearby places like Langosta Beach but do know that they aren’t licensed drivers or have insurance. Make sure you negotiate a fare beforehand and you will have to pay them in CRC cash (we don’t recommend paying in USD – ask how much it’ll be in colones). Learn more about handling money in Costa Rica here.
The Town
Roads are mostly paved in Tamarindo. There are some back roads and small alleys where they are not though. Also, the intersection to the back of Tamarindo is not paved and during rainy season, the pot holes can turn into mini craters so drive carefully.
The road to Playa Langosta from Tamarindo is paved.
Parking
There are only a handful of “designated parking lots” in Tamarindo. There is one next to Witch’s Rock, the one at Pico Bistro, at Plaza Conchal I and II, one across from Iguana Surf and then by the roundabout near Nogui’s.
Please note these aren’t official parking lots so make sure you roll up windows, lock your doors and do not leave anything valuable in your car. There are “parking guards” who will approach your car (normally wearing a reflective vest) and charge you for parking in “their” lot. You can give them a small tip like 1000 CRC when you leave. During holiday times however, they may make you pay a certain amount when you arrive in order to park.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica Weather
Tamarindo has typical tropical dry and rainy seasons. Dry season is roughly December – end of April and May – November for rainy season. The hottest months are March and April with average day time temperatures around 85-95 F (30-35 C).
The rainiest month is generally October. Average day time temperatures in rainy season do not really vary from dry season. A typical rainy season day in Tamarindo is sunny in the morning and rainy in the late afternoons and nights.
Tamarindo Surf Camps
We did a surf vacation with Iguana Surf which was a lot of fun. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is very popular.
Tamarindo Hotels
Here are some recommended places to stay. You can find tons of Airbnbs and vacation rentals too.
- Hotel Mar Rey: budget to mid range hotel right in the middle of town.
- Hotel Luna Llena: located further back in town with spacious bungalows and a big pool. Mid range prices.
- Tamarindo Diria: An upscale beachfront resort with 3 pools (one adult only), one beachfront restaurant and beach and garden view rooms. Also has adult only section.
- Wyndham Tamarindo: This hilltop hotel has a fantastic view of the beach and an amazing infinity pool. About a 15 walk to town.
- The Beach Bungalows: Cute bungalows in the back part of town but just a 10 minute walk to downtown and 15 minutes to the beach. Lush gardens and is gated.
- Selina is a good option for backpackers, young solo travelers and digial nomads. In town.
- For honeymooners or couples, Jardin del Eden is adult only with romantic rooms and in room Jacuzzis.
- JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa (25 minutes away) or the all inclusive Occidental Langosta.
- There is a vegan hotel in Tamarindo called Mother Earth Vegan Hotel.
Tamarindo Restaurants
- Noguis: Beachfront with Costa Rican and international dishes. Yummy pie. $$
- Pikatas: Amazing ceviche and big portions. Near the beach by the roundabout.
- Longboards BBQ: Delicious barbecue sandwiches. $$
- Hidden Garden: Fine dining, good mix of vegetarian, seafood and meat $$$
- Pangas: Fine dining, delicious seafood. Nice place for a romantic dinner, beachfront. $$$
- Green Papaya: Awesome taco bar with handmade tortilla and chips. Cash only. $$
- NOI Bistro: Great place for breakfast or lunch. Favorites are the veggie burger. $$
- Masa Madre: Bakery with sandwiches, pastries, paninis, pizza, croissants, coffee, vegan/vegetarian options. $
- Cha Cafe: Smoothies, coffee, toasts, bowls, burritos, all healthy food. They also have delicious cookies, breads, etc. $$
- Santa Rita Coffee shop: Nice place for coffee and breakfast. $
- Pan del Mundo: European style bakery with sweet pastries, breads, baguettes and sandwiches. $
- Surf shack: Great burgers and they have a veggie options. $$
- Mercadito: Food court with burgers, seafood, arepas, poke bowls, waffles, crepes, tacos, Pops ice cream and more $-$$
- Red Door: A more fine dining beachfront spot with food and yummy drinks/cocktails $$$
- El Santuario: Cute outdoor Italian place with pizza, pasta and barbecue
- Venezia Gelati: Yummy gelato. $
- Brisa Mar (formerly Matapalo Beachfront): the public restaurant of Tamarindo diria. Beachfront, mix of Costa Rican. $$
- Cata Agave Bar: Beachfront, second floor bar, perfect if you love tequila. They do awesome cocktails and drinks.
- Falafel bar: Great hummus, pita wraps and shawarma. $$
- Dragonfly: Delicious curry and other dishes. $$
- Agua Salada: Nice place for more fine dining. Very cute decor and atmosphere. Beachfront. $$$
- La Pachanga: Excellent pizza and pasta place. $$
- Soda El Estero: A good local restaurant near the entrance of town. $
- La Bodega: Great place for breakfast. $
Shopping
If you’re looking for some new beach wear, Tamarindo has everything. Here are my favorite places to shop in downtown.
- Suspiro Esmerelda Bikinis: She designs her own bikinis and is great for anyone who likes prints and fun styles. By the roundabout across from Noguis.
- Seaholic: A cute store with beachwear and accessories
- 2 Aves: Right next to Suspiro and they have cute beach towels and accessories.
- De’lohana Bikinis: Second floor of Tamarindo Inn a little outside town. Super cute bikini, super soft, made with biodegradable materials.
- Morena Beachwear: Has a wide collection of bikinis and one pieces, many for surf. In Centro Commercial El Punto in town.
- Bambamboo: Clothing store with everything made from organic cotton, bamboo, banana or hemp. Not a lot of designs but super comfortable.
- Tamarindo night market: The weekly Thursday Moonlight night market is a great place to shop for trinkets like jewelry. In the plaza where Tamarindo Fitness Center is.
- Buena Nena: Cute clothing stores with jewelry, bags, hats and other cute things.
Nightlife
You will always find a place to party and partake in some epic nightlife in Tamarindo. There’s often live music at the restaurants like Mercadito, Chiringuito, Langosta Surf Club, El Be!, Lizard Lounge, Longboards and The Ocean.
Pacifico Bar, Rumours, Sharkys, Crazy Monkey Bar and Lizard Lounge are popular places for drinking, dancing and partying.
Living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Foreigners choose Tamarindo as their new home due to several factors: diversity, more business and job opportunities, weather, surfing and a tightly knit expat/immigrant community. It is very popular for families as there are some private and international schools nearby.
As for the demographic, there aren’t as many retirees compared to other beach towns like Playas del Coco and Nosara. Most of the foreigners are young entrepreneurs, digital nomads, families, backpackers or surfers. Although Tamarindo’s nickname is “Tama-gringo”, it’s not only US citizens who live here. There are plenty of people from Canada, Australia, Europe and South America.
However, something to note about Tamarindo is it’s all quite expensive with American prices. Due to displacement, you won’t see any local Guanacastecos living in Tamarindo. Rent and home prices are very high, catering more towards European/American/Canadian immigrants and expats and international tourists. The Guanacastecos live outside in neighboring villages and towns like Villarreal, Huacas, 27 de Abril or Santa Cruz.
For tourists, Tamarindo is not a cheap destination in Costa Rica as it’s one of the most popular beaches in the entire country. You can travel on a budget in Tamarindo but do note that it will still be more expensive than other destinations in Costa Rica. In general, Costa Rica is not cheap but Tamarindo is noticeably more expensive than other destinations.
Other than that, Tamarindo is fun. There is always something to do or something going on! You’re close to plenty of natural attractions, the surfing is awesome and it’s easy to meet people!
Safety
Is Tamarindo safe? Tamarindo is both a family friendly and party town. It attracts many young backpackers, solo travelers and surfers looking for a fun and wild night on the beach. Therefore, it is not difficult to find a variety of tools to help one have that type of time in Costa Rica.
However, many families, seniors and couples visit Tamarindo and it is completely safe for them. It advised to avoid the small alleys and the street with all the bars late at night, especially Thursday – Sunday nights if you have children or want to avoid that scene. Specifically avoid the alley next to Rumors/Sharky’s that goes to Surf Shack late at night.
Theft and pickpocketing are the main crimes so always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe with you. During holidays such as Christmas, New Years and Easter, be especially aware of your belongings.
Another thing to note about Tamarindo Beach is the crocodiles. Due to the nearby estuary, crocodiles sighting haves been reported on Tamarindo Beach. If you are near the estuary, do not cross it by foot and be aware of your surroundings.
Want to read about more beach towns in Costa Rica? Here you go!
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